University community rededicates Oval

The Ohio State University community will celebrate the re-opening of one of its central landmarks on Wednesday (9/21) with the official Oval Re-Dedication Party. A major renovation project closed the campus' central green space for the past academic year. Beginning in June of 2004, the Oval was fenced off to installation of an irrigation system, new walkways and finally, to allow new grass to establish. The fences came down in June. Students will officially celebrate the re-opening of the Oval on the first day of classes for the 2005 academic year.

Beginning at 2 p.m., students can enjoy Re-Dedication activities that include games, refreshments and insight into some of the university's oldest Oval-related traditions.

The official Re-Dedication program begins at 8:30 p.m. Speakers will include President Karen Holbrook and Suz Scharer, president of Undergraduate Student Government. Athletics Director Gene Smith will invite guests to circle the oval, the Orton Hall chimes will ring, and Smith will lead celebrants in the singing of the university's alma mater, "Carmen Ohio."

WHAT: Oval Re-Dedication Party

WHEN: 2 to 9 p.m., Wednesday (9/21)

Program gets underway at 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Oval

WHY: To celebrate the re-opening of the Oval and the beginning of the academic year